Yemen's Houthi rebels have denied reports of plans to charge ships for passing through the Red Sea, stating that passage through the waterway remains free. The Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) issued a statement clarifying that its "safe transit service" is voluntary and free of charge, urging shipping companies not to make payments to unauthorized parties. This denial follows a Reuters report earlier this week, which cited regional sources suggesting the Iran-aligned Houthis were considering imposing fees on ships transiting the vital Bab al-Mandeb Strait.